STORY BEHIND THE ART OF NANCY WHEELER KLIPPERT

24th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center

Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

The bird of paradise bloom has intrigued me for years. I find it to be one of the showiest and most exotic flowers in neighborhood gardens here in northern California. I wanted to better understand it. How do the parts connect? What color is it really?

As I closely studied these flowers, I began to see many colors, not just the flashy bright oranges, purples, and pinks, but the subtle nuances from deep blue-green through to pale creamy yellow, and so much more. 

The plant has substantial stems and spathes from which the inflorescence emerges like an opening wing, clearly explaining the origins of the common name. This flower, like a bird, has a strong core and yet opens with elegance and grace.

I drew this piece with oil based colored pencil on drafting film, applying color to both the front and back of the surface. The film has a translucent quality.

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Read more about this artist's work: 22nd Annual